“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” 1 John 4:1-3 KJV

My apologies for the break in posts 😔 Would endeavour by God’s grace, not to let that happen again. 

Our topic for today has ever been crucial, more so in today’s world where we’re seeing so much of the supernatural going on (both of God and otherwise) and many literally claiming they’re Christ, deceiving millions into following them. Our Ever-loving Heavenly Father though, shows us the way out in His Word which by the help of the Holy Spirit, would keep us from deception as we heed to His leadings.

Today’s text cautions and counsels us not to believe every spirit. As John the Beloved wrote this letter to Christians, it’s safe to say that Christians that don’t keep their guard up in God might succumb to spirits not from God, and it can happen right in/at Church!

Some ways to identify spirits that are not of God (all are interrelated; just broke them down for explanatory and easier assimilation purposes):

  1. Their Testimony/Speech

Today’s text points out to us that spirits not of God refuse to acknowledge the humanity and deity of Jesus Christ. This might seem obvious to you as a believer, but it really is a pinnacle of our belief that sets Christianity apart and should never be compromised with. Many religions accept Jesus as a good man or prophet, notice I said Jesus and not Jesus Christ. The word ‘Christ’ means ‘anointed, that is, the Messiah’ – Strong’s. These religions refuse to accept Jesus as the Messiah so would never refer to Him as Jesus Christ, inferring that they do not accept His deity as the Word of God who preexisted before He took on a fleshy body and came to earth to redeem man to God (John 1:1-3,14; 1 John 5:7; Rev 19:20; Heb 11:3).
“Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking under the power and influence of the [Holy] Spirit of God can [ever] say, Jesus be cursed! And no one can [really] say, Jesus is [my] Lord, except by and under the power and influence of the Holy Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:3 AMP

I heard the testimony of a Gospel artist who when starting out, was being offered opportunities beyond his expectation, if only he’ll make reference to God in his songs to make them ‘all-inclusive ‘ as opposed to mentioning Jesus. It seemed OK at the surface until God told him not to succumb. He obeyed God, who opened doors fo him that trumped his previously lucrative offer.

This is not an article on the Triune-God/the GodHead/Trinity so I’m not attempting to explain differences or similarities. Just trying by God’s grace to show us how to keep our guard up and stay sensitive, so we’re not deceived by the devil’s subtlety. 

Please remember that no matter the display of the supernatural by anything and/or body under the influence of any spirit, if the testimony/speech of such doesn’t acknowledge that Jesus Christ came in the flesh, IT IS NOT OF THE ONE TRUE GOD!

God bless you🙂

© Lydia Ndagilaya for PneumaWord

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